Species / Wild Turkey / Rio Grande Turkey
Rio Grande Turkey
Subspecies of Wild Turkey · Meleagris gallopavo
Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and introduced populations in California, Oregon, Washington, Hawaii, and various western states
Male weight
15–22 lbs
Female weight
8–12 lbs
Overview
Meleagris gallopavo intermedia is the classic Texas turkey — slightly smaller than the Eastern but behaviorally distinct in ways that reflect its more open, semi-arid habitat.
Identifying Features
Tan to yellowish-buff tail tip banding (distinguishes from Eastern's chestnut); slightly smaller body; adapted to open grassland and river-bottom habitat
Hunting This Subspecies
Texas spring season opens in late March with peak activity in April. Rio Grandes are often most effectively hunted from elevated box blinds overlooking water sources.